Breeding biology of the Pale-bellied Tyrant-manakin Neopelma pallescens (Aves: Pipridae) in south-eastern Brazil

The Pale-bellied Tyrant-manakin (Neopelma pallescens) inhabits semi-deciduous and riparian forests in central-north South America. Contrary to most manakins, there is no evident sexual dichromatism in the species and little is known about its breeding biology. We studied the breeding biology of a colour-banded population of the species from August to December 2016 and from August to October 2017 in the Campus Florestal of the Universidade Federal de Viçosa, south-eastern Brazil. The breeding season extended from early September to late November. The species is promiscuous, with males exhibiting simple courtship displays (exploded leks) in individual arenas. The nest (n = 13) is a cup attached by its top lip between forked branches and is very simple, with a structural layer made with dry grass stems and heads, attached to the branch with spider silk. The outer and lining layers are absent. The mean clutch size was 1.8 eggs (n = 11), which are oval and pale coloured, covered with spots of different shades of brown, often concentrated in the larger pole. Mean egg length and width (± SD) were 21.0 ± 0.9 × 15.8 ± 0.7 mm (n = 14) and the mean weight was 2.8 ± 0.4 g (n = 10). The incubation period could not be estimated, but the nestling period was 15 days (n = 2). The simple percentage of successful nests was 15.4%, with 76.9% of the nests depredated and 7.7% abandoned. This is the first detailed study about the breeding biology of any Neopelma species, providing relevant data for the study of the evolution of life history strategies not only for the genus, but for the whole family Pipridae.     

Gastrointestinal helminths of nine species of Cnemaspis (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Peninsular Malaysia,one species from Cambodia and Thailand and two species from Vietnam

A total of 12 species of Cnemaspis (N = 104) from Southeast Asia were examined for gastrointestinal helminths. Samples consisted of nine species (n = 86) from Peninsular Malaysia: Cnemaspis affinis (n = 4); Cnemaspis baueri (n = 17); Cnemaspis biocellata (n = 12); Cnemaspis grismeri (n = 8); Cnemaspis kumpoli (n = 11); Cnemaspis limi (n = 9): Cnemaspis monachorum (n = 7); Cnemaspis pemanggilensis (n = 10); Cnemaspis peninsularis (n = 8); one species (n = 5) from Cambodia and Thailand, Cnemaspis chanthaburiensis (n = 5); and two species (n = 13) from Vietnam: Cnemaspis nuicamensis (n = 6) and Cnemaspis tucdupensis (n = 7). The aggregate helminth community consisted of one species of Cestoda, Cylindrotaenia malayi and nine species of Nematoda: Bakeria schadi, Meteterakis singaporensis, Parapharyngodon maplestoni, Maxvachonia sp., Physalopteroides sp., Physalopteridae gen. sp., Riticulariidae gen. sp., Seuratoidea gen. sp., Ascaridoidea gen. sp. Meteterakis singaporensis had the largest number of individuals (457) and greatest prevalence (24%). Twenty-eight new host records are reported.     

Helminths of some tree frogs of the families Hylidae and Phyllomedusidae in an Atlantic rainforest fragment,Brazil

Despite the fact that Brazil is the most-studied country regarding helminths of amphibians, only around 8% of Brazilian anurans have had at least one study made of their helminth fauna. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the helminth community of nine species of Atlantic Rainforest anurans of two different families, eight of them with no previous study, and six of which are endemic to Brazil. The analysed hosts for their parasites were: Dendropsophus minutus (n = 48), Scinax auratus (n = 36), D. branneri (n = 33), D. elegans (n = 26), Hypsiboas albomarginatus (n = 22), Pithecopus nordestinus (n = 19), D. decipiens (n = 12), D. haddadi (n = 11) and S. x-signatus (n = 11). A total of 781 helminths were collected from 106 (48.6%) of 218 analysed hosts, 656 Centrorhyncus sp. cystacanths and 125 nematodes: 76 adults (25 Cosmocerca sp.; three Cosmocerceidae gen. sp.; 20 Cosmocerca parva, 20 Cosmocercella phyllomedusae, five Aplectana sp., two Oswaldocruzia sp. and one Rhabdias sp.), 43 encysted larvae (nine Porrocaecum sp. and 34 Brevimulticaecum sp.) and six Physaloptera sp. larvae. Anurans may display many roles within the helminth life cycles, as they act as both predator and prey to a wide variety of animals. Consequently, we have found helminths that use anurans as definitive, intermediate and paratenic hosts. Opposing other surveys in which nematodes are the most prevalent and abundant parasites, acanthocephalans were the most prevalent taxa. These findings highlight the lack of knowledge regarding the helminth fauna of anurans and reveal many gaps with respect to their infection patterns in amphibians.     

Comparison of breeding biology aspects of Fluvicola nengeta (Aves: Tyrannidae) between two nesting sites

Fluvicola nengeta is an insectivorous bird that belongs to the Tyrannidae family, which lives close to bodies of water and can occur in urban areas as well. It makes use of natural and man-made substrates to build its nests. This study aims at describing the reproductive biology of F. nengeta by comparing nests built on vegetation and man-made structures as to their shapes, nest dimensions, building materials, distance from bodies of water and reproductive success. Forty-four nests were found, where 30 were located in vegetation and 14 on man-made structures. Nests did not exhibit any single pattern and were divided into three distinct shapes: closed/globular/base; closed/ovoid/base (45.5%; n = 5 for both) and low cup/base (9%; n = 1). Nests built on man-made structures exhibited a larger amount of anthropic material, such as plastic and paper, instead of plant-derived materials. Nests on man-made structures were found to be higher up from the ground (459.8 ± 46.9 m) and farther from water (232.9 ± 54.8 m) in comparison to those on vegetation (92.2 ± 28.6 m and 7.3 ± 4.7 m, respectively), aside from exhibiting a higher Mayfield reproductive success (37%) when compared to nests built on vegetation (34%). The estimated values of the daily survival rate (DSR) for vegetation nests were 0.997 for the incubation period and 0.928 for the nestling period. In man-made structure nests, DSRs were 0.968 and 0.964, respectively, during the incubation and nestling periods. The period survival rate (PSR) of nests in vegetation was significantly higher than the PSRs of nests in man-made structures during the incubation period. DSRs did not differ between incubation and nestling periods for either nesting sites.     

Life history of Paraselenis (Spaethiechoma) dichroa (Germar, 1824) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) in natural conditions of Atlantic Forest from Brazil

Cassidinae Gyllenhaal? is the second largest subfamily of Chrysomelidae (Coleoptera), which presents characteristic morphology, biology and behaviour. The current study describes the life cycle of Paraselenis(Spaetiechoma) dichroa (Germar), ?determining biological and behavioural aspects as well as the action of natural enemies on populations, when the species has maternal care. The study was conducted between February and April 2015 in the National Forest of Passa Quatro, municipality of Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Daily observations were made (morning and afternoon) to evaluate the offspring of females on Ipomoea sp. and Merremia macrocalyx (O’Donell?) (Convolvulaceae), as well as the actions of natural enemies on the young. The eggs are deposited on the midrib and abaxial surface of leaves (n = 25). Egg clusters are pedunculated, arranged in groups and devoid of any cover. On average, each female produced 27.3 ± 5.6 (n = 16) eggs, with a mean incubation period of 12.7 ± 2.9 days (n = 10 females with their young). The larvae remained grouped in the leaves throughout development, except when they fed. They retained faeces and exuviae as a stacked faecal structure on their mobile urogomphi (caudal process) like a faecal shield. The mean number of larvae per female was 12.7 ± 10.1 (n = 19) and the larval period lasted 24.9 ± 4.5 days (n = 12). Pupation occurred on the stem of the plant (n = 16). On average there were 8.1 ± 8.5 individuals for pupae progeny (n = 14). The mean duration of the pupal stage was 10.4 ± 3.3 days (n = 5). Overall, 3% of adults emerged (n = 13 individuals), with a total cycle time of 41.3 ± 8.4 days (n = 6). Adults are sexually dimorphic in the elytral shape. Females remain with the offspring throughout development. The natural enemies of immatures were Emersonella pubipennis Hansson? (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), Tachinidae (Diptera) and Stiretrus decastigmus (Herrich-Schaeffer?) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), Conura sp. Spinola? (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) and Brachymeria sp. Westwood? (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae). The information presented here on the natural history of P. dichroa are important as they may serve as a starting point to understand evolutionary questions and multispecies interactions.     

Range extension and ecological information for Orconectes virilis (Hagen 1870) (Decapoda: Cambaridae) in Idaho, USA

We report the 1st record of the crayfish Orconectes virilis (Hagen 1870) from Idaho and the Pacific Northwest, USA. We also provide an updated checklist of recent Idaho crayfishes, which now includes 2 families (Astacidae and Cambaridae), 3 genera ( Pacifasticus, Orconectes , and Procambarus ), and 7 species and subspecies ( Pacifasticus connectus (Faxon 1914), P. gambelii (Girard 1852), P. leniusculus leniusculus (Dana 1852), P. leniusculus klamathensis (Stimpson 1857), P. leniusculus trowbridgii (Stimpson 1857), O. virilis , and Procambarus clarkii (Girard 1852). Native crayfish were not found at the O. virilis collection sites. The localities where O. virilis was found were characterized by low-gradient streams impacted by fine sediment. Aquatic invertebrates found in association with O. virilis tended to be the more pollution-tolerant taxa.     

Planktonic copepod community of a reef zone in the southern Gulf of Mexico

ABSTRACT

In this study, the variation of seasonal and inter-annual density and diversity of the copepod community in the Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano (PNSAV) was analysed. Samples were collected under nortes, rainy and dry weather conditions in 2011, as well as under nortes and dry weather conditions in 2012 and 2013 in four transects. Surface trawls with 330-μm conical nets were made. The temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen were measured in situ. The values obtained were 23.07 ± 0.53 to 29.29 ± 0.27°C for temperature, 33.43 ± 0.49 to 35.91 ± 0.09 for salinity, and 2.52 ± 0.08 to 6.56 ± 0.08 mg l^?1 for dissolved oxygen. The copepods collected belonged to 19 families, 28 genera and 62 species. Copepods represented between 69.74% and 76.79% of the abundance of crustaceans present in zooplankton. The highest number of copepods occurred under nortes weather conditions in 2011 with 401,885 ± 28,092 copepods/100 m³ of the species Temora stylifera. In 2012, 256,325 ± 76,872 copepods/100 m³ of the species Paracalanus aculeatus were obtained and in 2013, 311,526 ± 76,872 copepods/100 m³ of the species T. turbinata. The highest specific richness was found in the southern zone with 28 species. In 2013 the highest density was found in the northern zone with 100,323 ± 28,888 copepods/100 m³. The highest diversity was found under dry weather conditions in 2011 with 3.71 bits/individual. In the 3 years of study, 24 species were dominant; 12 of these, appeared in the 3 years of sampling: T. stylifera, T. turbinata, Labidocera scotti, P. aculeatus, O. latus, Pontellopsis villosa, Centropages velificatus, Parvocalanus crassirostris, Corycaeus speciosus, Undinula vulgaris, Oithona plumifera, and Farranula gracilis. Canonical correlation analysis showed the formation of five groups explained by the neritic or oceanic affinity of the species and their tolerance to changes in salinity or temperature.     

Life cycle of Huarpea fallax (Hymenoptera: Sapygidae) in a xeric forest in Argentina

This study describes the life cycle of Huarpea fallax (Hymenoptera: Sapygidae) in a xeric forest in La Pampa province, Argentina. This cleptoparasitic wasp attacks the nests of two species of leaf-cutter bees: Megachile catamarcensis and Anthidium vigintipunctatum, both belonging to the family Megachilidae. Nests of these bee species were obtained during a trap-nesting programme. Adult emergence showed a unimodal pattern indicating a univoltine life cycle. The period from egg-laying to adult emergence lasted for 10–13 months; however, one female took about 2 years to emerge, suggesting parsivoltinism. Most females attack one cell per host nest, the outermost cells being the ones most parasitized. However, the position of the attacked cells was variable. In this paper, although there were insufficient data to prove a correlation, the data suggest a positive trend between body size of sapygid wasps and their host bees.     

Ecology of two Pittas (Pitta soror and Pitta nympha) in limestone forests of South China

The ecology and life history of bird species inhabiting limestone forests, which are under major conservation threats, is currently poorly known. To cover this gap of knowledge, in this study we report for the first time on several aspects of the breeding ecology of the Blue-rumped Pitta (Pitta soror) and the Fairy Pitta (P. nympha) inhabiting two typical limestone forests of south China. The mean density of Fairy Pittas in our study locations was 3.13 ± 2.82 and 1.05 ± 2.09 individuals/km². The Blue-rumped Pitta was common in Nonggang and showed a mean density of 4.67 ± 2.44 individuals/km², yet was absent in the other. We found nine nests between February 2009 and June 2015, including five of the Blue-rumped Pitta and four of the Fairy Pitta. Blue-rumped Pittas laid 4.8 ± 0.4 eggs with a mean fresh mass of 8.10 ± 0.40 g. Fairy Pittas had a clutch size of 5.2 ± 0.45 eggs with a mean fresh mass of 6.03 ± 0.22 g. Blue-rumped and Fairy Pitta parents fed their nestlings 4.0 ± 1.2 times and 3.9 ± 1.5 times per hour, respectively. Earthworms were the most common food item delivered to nestlings by Blue-rumped (93.6%) and Fairy Pitta (91.2%) parents. Blue-rumped Pittas bred successfully in 40% of nests (two of five), whilst in the case of Fairy Pittas nest success reached 75% (three of four). The two Pittas had larger clutch sizes than in southern populations of the same species and also than most other bird species inhabiting limestone forests. This would imply that Pittas show differences in life history traits within limestone ecosystems.     

Life cycle and population structure of the terrestrial isopod Hemilepistus klugii (Brandt, 1833) (Isopoda: Oniscidea) in Iran

The life cycle and population structure of Hemilepistus klugii were studied in a population in Varamin, Iran. The population was sampled monthly (or fortnightly during the breeding season) from February 2008 to June 2009 and a total of 7015 individuals, comprising 1069 males, 1079 females and 4867 juveniles, were collected. As in other Hemilepistus species, five distinct phenophases, namely pair formation, gestation, hatching, growth and stationary, were recorded during the life cycle of H. klugii. The overall sex ratio was 1 : 1 but varied over time. Ovigerous females were observed only in April, indicating a seasonal and very short breeding period. With a short lifespan after breeding, females demonstrated true semelparity. The mean cephalothorax width for ovigerous/post-ovigerous females was higher in 2008 than in 2009. These females attained the largest size in the population throughout the year. The number of eggs per female ranged from 28 to 147 (mean ± SE, 78 ± 1.8). There was a positive correlation between female size and fecundity. Recruitment occurred in late April and resulted in the highest population density in this month, whereas the lowest densities were observed during November to January. Despite a high percentage of ovigerous females carrying undeveloped eggs (72.3%), intramarsupial mortality was low (3.5%).     

Nesting territory characteristics of a migratory South American forest hawk,the White-throated Hawk (Buteo albigula) (Aves: Accipitridae), in temperate rainforest remnants of Araucanía,southern Chile

During four successive breeding periods (2007–11) we characterized the nesting territories of the white-throated hawk (Buteo albigula) in southern Chile. Territories were located in mountainous areas with mature native forest (n = 17) or mature pine plantations (n = 1). Most of the territories were distant from urban centres (>2 km). Only one or two adult hawks and one young per pair/year were observed in each territory. All nest sites were located in the upper parts of ravines. Nests were built on large, living mature trees. Platforms were bulky (>50 cm diameter) and oval or round. Eggs were white and subelliptical in shape (40.0 × 50.0 mm). Hawk pairs reproduced asynchronically extending the reproductive period for 6 months. Although some white-throated hawk pairs were tolerant of human-modified habitats, it is possible that decline in forest cover represents a potential threat for the population viability of this migratory forest hawk.     

Breeding biology of the threatened Campo Miner Geositta poeciloptera (Aves: Scleruridae), a Neotropical grassland specialist

The Campo Miner is a threatened grassland passerine endemic to the South American Cerrado, whose life history is almost unknown. In this paper, we studied during three breeding seasons (2014 to 2016) the breeding biology of a colour banded population of the species found in the Upper Rio Grande Grasslands, south-eastern Brazil. We found 98 nests, 81 of which became active and were monitored. The Campo Miner breeds in frequently burnt-and-grazed natural grasslands, successfully nesting in highly disturbed sites, such as dirt banks along roads and even in mine pits. The species is socially monogamous and both parents build the nest, which is a cavity/with-tunnel/simple/platform type. The nest chamber is lined with a platform made of grass fragments, charcoal, hairs, and mammal faeces. The most common clutch size is three eggs (n = 66), with some nests containing one (n = 1), two (n = 12) or four eggs (n = 2). The egg is white and pyriform and the incubation, performed by both parents, lasts 17.5 days. Mean nestling period is 15.5 days, with both parents feeding the young. Breeding season lasted for about 125 days (August to December) and multiple breeding attempts in a single season were common, with a maximum of three attempts recorded. All species of Scleruridae built their nests inside cavities dug in the soil with an access tunnel to it, where they lay a small clutch (usually 2–3 white eggs), but no other species in the family has been studied in detail to date. Further studies are required to understand why a species apparently tolerant to anthropogenic impacts such as G. poeciloptera can be so rare, patchily distributed and threatened throughout its range.     

Reproductive ecology of the glass frog Espadarana prosoblepon (Anura: Centrolenidae) in an urban forest of the Central Andes of Colombia

Population and reproductive behaviour aspects of the glass frog Espadarana prosoblepon are well known for populations from Central America, but similar information is lacking for populations from South America. We recorded the reproductive ecology of a population of the glass frog E. prosoblepon in the city of Armenia, Central Andes of Colombia. With weekly surveys with mark-recapture between December 2013 and November 2015, we monitored activity patterns and evaluated if the probability of males mating is associated to their body size or to chorus tenure (i.e. the number of nights a same individual is calling for attracting a mate). In addition, upon observing an amplexus, we recorded the behaviour of the individuals until oviposition and noted characteristics of egg clutch. We recorded 47 males and 32 females, nine amplexus events, eight ovipositions, and 21 egg clutches (35.4 ± 4.79 eggs per clutch, N = 29). Activity of males and females and the number of egg clutches were positively correlated to rainfall. Mating success of males was not associated to their body size, but it was positively associated to longer chorus tenure; clutches from large females had a higher number of eggs than clutches from small females. Oviposition occurred on average 3.76 ± 1.74 hours after we first observed the amplexus, occurring 93.1% of the time in fronds of Selaginella geniculata at an average height of 1.58 ± 0.44 m. After the oviposition, the male left the site, while the female remained between 30 and 45 min, partially covering the eggs. The reproductive behaviour of E. prosoblepon did not vary widely between a population in Costa Rica and our population in time to oviposition, and mating success of males associated to chorus tenure; however, in our study population we recorded a larger clutch size and the preference for S. geniculata fronds as oviposition substrate.     

Early life history of the sheepnose (Plethobasus cyphyus) (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Unionoida)

Managing a rare species can be improved with knowledge of its natural history. The sheepnose (Plethobasus cyphyus) is a freshwater mussel recently listed by the US as federally endangered. We used standard methods to study P. cyphyus brooding behaviour, host fishes in the laboratory and under natural conditions, and glochidial morphology. We monitored a population of P. cyphyus in the Chippewa River, WI during spring and summer 2007–2009 and 2011 and found brooding animals between mid-May and early August. Gravid individuals ranged between 5 and 27 yr (mean age ± 1 s.d. = 13 ± 4 yr). Plethobasus cyphyus brooded glochidia in outer gills, which varied in colour from red, orange, pink, cream, or white. We observed mature glochidia more commonly in individuals with cream or white gills and these glochidia were released in a clear, adhesive, mucus matrix. In laboratory trials we found several minnow and topminnow species (29 spp.) served as productive suitable native hosts. The mean number of juvenile mussels released per cyprinid per day was significantly higher for trials conducted at 22–25°C compared with those at 18–20°C, and 83% of trials conducted at 18–20°C using suitable host species produced no juveniles. Glochidia had a unique outline and shell morphometrics that distinguished P. cyphyus from seven other Chippewa River mussel species that produce similar sized glochidia. Using morphometrics we determined that mimic shiners (Notropis volucellus) were natural hosts for P. cyphyus, round pigtoe (Pleurobema sintoxia), and Wabash pigtoe (Fusconaia flava). Releasing mucus-bound glochidia has evolved in a variety of mussel species and may be more common than is currently realized. Our data show that P. cyphyus is a cyprinid host specialist, and propagation efforts for this species can be strengthened through improved access to mature glochidia by using females with cream-coloured gills and increased juvenile production through warmer fish holding temperatures.     

Temporal variation and structure of macro-epifauna associated with macrophytes in the Bizerte lagoon (Tunisia,SW Mediterranean Sea)

The temporal variation in composition and abundance of the macro-epifauna associated with seaweeds (Ulva lactuca, Cladophora sp., Gracilariopsis longissima and Gracilaria bursa-pastoris) and seagrass (Cymodocea nodosa) was investigated at Menzel Jemil station in the Bizerte lagoon. Twelve replicate samples (25 x 25 cm frame) were collected monthly from October 2009 to September 2010. Sampling data yielded 21,575 invertebrate specimens from floating seaweeds and the seagrass, belonging to 40 taxa, of which 18 species were arthropods, 13 molluscs, three echinoderms, three fishes, two polychaetes and one cnidarian. Crustaceans were the most dominant and the most species-rich group and Idotea balthica basteri the most abundant species, accounting for 28.94% of the total abundance. Minimum (9.25 ± 5.56 species) and maximum (19.75 ± 3.2 species) values of mean species richness were observed in December and June, respectively. Species richness and density of macro-epifauna showed similar trends to plant biomass and the highest values of both indices coincided with periods of maximal plant biomass. Mean values of Shannon’s index H′ and evenness J′ were low, ranging from 0.34 ± 0.02 bit to 1.08 ± 0.06 bit, and from 0.23 ± 0.03 to 0.52 ± 0.07, respectively. The high dominance of herbivores and detritivores highlighted the substantial role played by macrophytes as food source for associated macro-epifauna species. Multivariate analyses also indicated significant seasonal differences for the macro-epifauna assemblage and revealed significant relationships with environmental variables. According to the canonical correspondence analysis, concentrations of phosphates and nitrites, and temperature were the variables that explained the variation of the macro-epifauna abundance in the Bizerte lagoon.     

Thermal ecology,activity pattern,habitat, and microhabitats used by the skink Mabuya arajara (Squamata: Scincidae) in the Araripe Plateau,northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT

We evaluated the activity period, thermal ecology, habitats, and preference for microhabitats of the skink Mabuya arajara in a humid forest environment on the slope of the Araripe Plateau, Brazil. A total of 283 lizards were observed. The lizards were found to be diurnally active (unimodal type pattern), with peak activity during the hottest hours of the day (1100 to 1200). About habitat use, the majority of individuals (73.8% N = 209) were recorded in the narrow transitional area, in the edges of the forest; while 26.4% of individuals were observed in open areas and no observations were made in dense forest. Seven different types of microhabitats were used, with fallen palm leaves (Arecaceae) being the preferred (47.7% N = 135). Considering all lizards, microhabitat niche breadth was 3.27. Males and females presented a high overlap (0.95) in microhabitat use. The average T_c recorded for M. arajara was 32.06 ± 2.72°C. Body size (SVL) did not influence body temperature (F = 0.51, P = > 0.05). Most of the animals were observed with their bodies completely exposed (67.84%, N = 192), 18.37% (N = 52) were semi-exposed and 13.79% (N = 39) were in shelters. Among animals with some degree of sunlight exposure, 57.59% (N = 163) were in shadows, 25.10% (N = 71) were under sunlight filtered by vegetation, and 17.31% (N = 49) were under direct sunlight.A review of the ecology of Mabuya spp. shows that several features appear to be conserved among members of the genus.     

First record of the genus Leptodactylus (Anura: Leptodactylidae) in Cuba: Leptodactylus fragilis,a biological invasion?

The Neotropical genus Leptodactylus is currently represented by three species in the West Indies (Leptodactylus albilabris, Leptodactylus fallax and Leptodactylus validus). Based on morphological, acoustic and molecular evidence, we document the presence of a fourth species in the Caribbean region, Leptodactylus fragilis (Brocchi, 1877). The species was found at two localities in western Cuba, and molecular data suggest a northern South American origin, possibly Venezuela, for these populations. We discuss the potential invasive status of L. fragilis, based on its known distribution, relative abundance, behaviour and possible impacts on native species of Cuban amphibians.